How can we apply Ezra's example of obedience in our daily lives today? Ezra 7:14 – a snapshot of obedience “For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.” (Ezra 7:14) Ezra literally carried God’s Law and was commissioned to live it, measure everything by it, and help others do the same. His life shows what practical, wholehearted obedience looks like. Ezra’s pattern: hold, obey, teach Ezra 7:10 gives the fuller picture: “Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach…” – Hold the Word: he studied it until it was “in his hand.” – Obey the Word: he practiced what he learned. – Share the Word: he taught statutes and judgments in Israel. This three-step cycle still works today. What having “the Law…in your hand” looks like now – Keep a Bible within reach—printed, audio, or digital—and treat it as the final authority. – Read daily with expectation (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:97). – Memorize key passages so the Word moves from hand to heart (Psalm 119:11). – Let Scripture shape opinions, conversations, and decisions instead of culture or feelings. Daily rhythms that reflect Ezra’s obedience 1. Start the day in the Word before screens or headlines. 2. Filter plans through clear commands—integrity at work (Colossians 3:23), purity in thought (Philippians 4:8), kindness in speech (Ephesians 4:29). 3. When a choice is unclear, ask, “What does Scripture already say?” then act accordingly (James 1:22). 4. Share what you’re learning—family devotions, texts to friends, social media posts that point back to a verse (2 Timothy 2:2). 5. Build accountability: invite a trusted believer to ask whether you’re living what you read. When obedience is costly – Ezra left comfort in Babylon for the ruins of Jerusalem; obedience may rearrange schedules, finances, friendships. – Stand firm when truth is unpopular (Acts 5:29). – Remember Christ’s words: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). Love fuels obedience. Promises tied to obedience – Peace: “Great peace have those who love Your law.” (Psalm 119:165). – Prosperity of soul: “Walk in all the way that I command you, that it may go well with you.” (Jeremiah 7:23). – Powerful witness: others “will see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12). Other scriptures that reinforce the call – Deuteronomy 6:6-9 — keep the commands “on your heart…talk about them…bind them.” – Joshua 24:24 — “The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey.” – 1 John 5:3 — “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” – Matthew 28:20 — teach disciples “to observe all that I have commanded you.” Takeaway summary Keep God’s Word close, let it govern every thought and action, and pass it on. Ezra’s obedience began with a scroll in his hand; ours begins the moment we open the Bible and resolve to live what we find there. |
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